~You Are My Love~
Mari Kia Aishiteru
Chapter 8 – Love and Friendship
:: November 30, 2009; Thursday; 7:15AM ::
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The next morning, Toushirou and Ichigo stood in front of the gates of the school waiting for Momo. Soon, a car stopped in front and the sisters went out of the car. They saw them walked towards the front gate with Momo on the lead and Rukia right behind her.
Ichigo nudged Toushirou and he took a deep breath as he walked towards Momo to meet her halfway. Ichigo took a step right behind him too like Rukia.
The two younger teens stopped before each other. Momo had a straight face while Toushirou was nervous. He looked at his childhood best friend and spoke in a hesitating voice, "M-Momo…"
She raised an eyebrow at him, urging him to continue. Toushirou bowed down before her as he frantically apologize to her.
"I'm so sorry for what I have done to you yesterday! I'm so sorry for what happened last night! I'm so sorry for everything! I promise it will not happen again!"
Ichigo and Rukia exchanged glances.
Momo was a bit sad because Toushirou had apologized to her about the kiss but she knew he did not regret what he had done that time. He was just being sincere to her so she will forgive him once and for all.
"Are you really sorry about it?" Momo asked in a monotone voice.
"Yeah I'm really really sorry." He said desperately.
"It will not happen again?"
"Yes! I promise!"
Momo sighed. "Okay, straight up."
Toushirou complied and stared at Momo with guilt in his turquoise eyes. "I'm really sorry."
Momo smiled and embraced him much to Toushirou's surprise. "I forgive you." He heard her whisper. "I missed you Shirou-chan."
Toushirou didn't expect that he would hear him say that but he was happy. "I did to." He replied.
The two pulled away. Momo grinned widely at him as Toushirou gave her a warm smile. Ichigo and Rukia, who were next to each other, exchanged glances and meaningful smiles.
"Now that's done," Rukia cut off. "Let's go to our room!"
The three nodded and went to their respective classrooms.
At lunch, Rangiku bowed to Momo in shame. "I'm really sorry Momo-chan. I am the one who started it… I'm really sorry."
Momo waved it off with a smile. "Don't worry about it, Ran nee-chan. It's okay!"
"That's right Ran, don't worry about it. And besides, it had been her fault too." Rukia said nonchalantly as she eat her bentou. Momo nodded. "True, I'm sorry too nee-chan."
"And the most important here now is that the two of them are now in good terms again." Ichigo added.
"I suppose so."
Tatsuya decided to change the topic out of curiosity. "Anyways Ichigo…"
"What?" he asked as he drank from his juice box.
"What happened with your proposal with Orihime?"
Rukia stopped eating and noticed Ichigo had frozen on his spot next to her. He paused and lay down his juice pack as he looked on his lap, unable to look at them. But they didn't seem to notice his silence other than Rukia.
"Now that you mention it. What did Orihime say, Ichigo?" Rangiku asked in curiosity.
"Nothing."
"Nothing?" Toushirou asked.
"What do you mean?" Momo inquired.
He looked at them and Rukia wanted to kill him on the spot for putting up that kind of smile. "She said that… she didn't feel the same way… and like me as a friend."
Silence prevailed except the gasped that was heard from Rangiku and Momo.
"I-Ichigo."
Ichigo suddenly let out an empty laugh, surprising all of them. "What's with your faces? You should have seen yourselves in a mirror! Totally priceless..." he said between laughs.
Rukia clenched her fists. She knew that he was playing so they wouldn't saw through him but she knew. She wouldn't fall down in his act.
"Ichigo! This isn't a joke! I know you're hurting right now, so don't try to hide it from us!"
Ichigo stopped laughing and looked blankly at his cousin. He sighed. "Guys, seriously. I'm fine as long as I don't see her so don't problem yourself with me." He said as he bit some of his bread, ignoring them.
Toushirou and Momo exchanged glances. Rangiku sighed. Tatsuya looked at his friend in sympathy. Rukia turned away from Ichigo. She couldn't bear seeing him like this.
I love him now… that's I'm sure of…
She was brought out of her thoughts when the bell rang. Ichigo stood up first and excused himself, telling them to go on ahead without him. But they knew better than that. He was not over Orihime.
They all sighed except Rukia who kept silent and walked on to their classroom.
After class, Ichigo, Momo and Toushirou were left in the classroom for cleaning duties and as always, Rangiku and Rukia walked to the gate of the school to wait for them. Rukia was in a dazed and Rangiku noticed it. She guessed her best friend was thinking about earlier. She could also tell that Rukia had something for Ichigo, even though she won't admit it to her. She was her best friend after all.
"Rukia?"
"Eh?"
"What are you thinking?" Rangiku asked in a mischievous tone.
"N-Nothing." Rukia replied as she turned away.
"Ehhh? Rukia, you're hiding things from me now! I thought we're best friends and we won't hide anything from each other!" Rangiku pouted at her. Rukia sighed. She debated inwardly if she would tell her what she had discovered.
She sighed. "Okay okay. I'll tell you but don't tell anyone!" Rukia reminded with a serious look.
"I will never do that! I promise!" Rangiku said as she raised her right hand, palm facing Rukia as if swearing.
"You see…" Rukia paused, gathering her thoughts. "Do you remember what you told me about being in love with Ichigo?" she started.
Rangiku nodded. "Yup." She had a feeling where this was going.
"I… feel that… it's coming true…"
Silence.
"REALLY?" Rangiku bursted as she held Rukia's both hands in hers. "YES! Finally! You realized your feelings for him! That you love him!" she declared happily.
Rukia nodded slowly. "Yeah…"
"Oh this is a good timing! Now that Orihime rejected him, you have a chance!"
"But I think he still love her." Rukia said in a low voice and sad smile.
"Rukia! Don't lose hope! Leave it to me!" Rangiku said with determination. Rukia's eyes went wide.
"Rangiku! You promised that this will be a secret between us!" Rukia said.
"Oh, right." Rangiku said with a nervous laugh.
Rukia pouted at her friend. "Mou!"
Soon, the three they were waiting for finally came and they all walked home to the coffee shop.
As they arrived at the coffee shop, they saw Isshin talking to someone they were surprised to see but happy nonetheless.
Rangiku ran towards her and embraced her. The woman returned the gesture.
"Mom! You're back!"
"Yes my dear daughter."
Toushirou walked towards them with a smile. "Welcome back Mom." He said. Hitsugaya Retsu smiled at her son and ruffled his white hair. "I'm back son."
Rangiku pulled away and smiled. "I'm so surprised." Toushirou nodded. "Me too."
"Well, I missed you too so I came by. Your father did too but he couldn't make it."
"Yeah, we understand. He's busy." Toushirou said.
"He's always busy." Rangiku corrected.
"Ran…"
"Anyways, mom, what are you doing here in Japan?" Rangiku asked.
"We'll talk about that later." And then, Retsu's attention went to Ichigo, Rukia and Momo. "Oh, is that Ichigo, Rukia-chan and Momo-chan?"
The three nodded in unison and bowed. "Hello Auntie. Looking good are we?" Ichigo commented with a smile. Retsu grinned at him. "Yes, and you too."
Ichigo shrugged with a grin. Retsu turned to the sisters. "Rukia-chan and Momo-chan are grown ups now."
"H-Hai…"
"Nice to see you two again. I heard that you're family is finally together. How's your parents?"
Rukia smiled. "They're in good condition."
The older woman nodded. "That's good."
They talked amongst themselves while they ate sweets. Soon, it was already seven in the evening and it was almost time for the teens' performance. The brother and sister sat on the stool at the counter as Ichigo and the others prepare their musical instruments for the night's performance.
"I want to watch their performance." Retsu said to her brother.
Isshin smirked. "After you do, I'm sure you'll be proud of them." She smiled.
"I know that. I'm so excited though."
Finally, the lights went off and the curtains rolled up revealing the teens. Ichigo grabbed the microphone and grinned. "Good evening everyone!"
The audience replied with a "Good evening" and the ladies screamed in happiness, causing Rukia to glare at them much to Rangiku's happiness.
"Before we start, there's something that Rangiku wants to tell you all." He said as he pointed at his cousin. Rangiku patted Ichigo's shoulder and waved. "Hello guys! Tonight's song is a special one because it is dedicated to the two persons who are important for our band. The first one is the owner of this coffee shop and our leader's father, Uncle Isshin!"
The audience clapped loudly and Isshin waved in recognition. Rangiku continued. "And, the other one is none other than, mine and Toushirou's mother!" she declared proudly.
Retsu did the same as what had Isshin done. When everyone settled down, the music started.
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Rangiku: What are you dreaming of? I don't want to forget
How your lips kissed my eyelashes and smiled sleepily
We were drawn into the calm midnight sky
And flew to our future together
Momo: Only time whispered
Only you can spin everything around
Rangiku, Momo and Rukia: *Amazing kiss
The stars' lights formed a blue flame
And created a miracle, a shapeless light
Precious in my love, tu ru tu…yeah
I remember…
Rangiku, Momo and Rukia: **Amazing kiss
This is the only shooting star but it vanished
I'm in love, wow woh, joy and love melted into space
Precious in my love, tu ru tu…yeah
.
While they were performing, a serious conversation was going on at the counter.
"When are you going to tell them the real reason why you are here?" Isshin asked. Retsu sighed.
"I don't know nii-san. I know that they will be sad if I tell them so I don't want to tell them right now."
"But they need to know as soon as possible because you're going to go back next week."
"You're right. But, I want to see them happy with their friends. Like that." She said as she nodded towards the performing teens.
Isshin sighed with a nod. "If that's what you want."
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Rukia: When our conversation stops my emotions show
It seems you've found my hidden words
Like the moon reflected on the ocean's waves
I felt I was floating deep into your eyes
Momo: When I awoke the next night my love for you had drawn near
Rangiku, Momo and Rukia: Amazing kiss
The grains in the glass between us echo
Our endless vow flowed in the Milky Way
Precious in my love, tu ru tu…yeah
I remember…
Rangiku, Momo and Rukia: Amazing kiss
This is the only shooting star but it vanished
I'm in love, wow woh, joy and love melted into space
Precious in my love, tu ru tu…yeah
Rukia: You're my radiant dream's light standing up to eternity
I'm sure we'll meet again
I want to believe in destiny
My body on the cold wall…
My love will never fade
I won't forget you, forever
Oh, just the way you are…
Rangiku, Momo: Precious in my love, who yeah yeah…ya-
Just the way you are
Precious in my love, who yeah yeah…ya-
Just the way you are
Rukia: (Repeat*)
Momo: (Repeat**)
Rangiku: Amazing kiss
The grains in the glass between us echo
Our endless vow flowed in the Milky Way
Precious in my love, tu ru tu…yeah
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After the performance, the teens walked to the counter and was complimented by Retsu. "you guys were so great up there."
They all smiled. "Thank you."
That night, before they retired to bed, Rangiku asked her mother what was the real reason for her coming by in Japan but her mother was obviously didn't want to talk about it. Her and Toushirou was very curious but Rangiku felt that it was something she wouldn't like.
:: December 5, 2009; Tuesday; 11PM; 5 days passed, 2 days before the departure ::
The coffee shop had just closed and the three teens with Retsu and Isshin were all in the living room.
"Mom, Uncle, why are we all here?" Toushirou asked.
"Because I have something important to tell you." Retsu said.
"What is it?" Rangiku asked. "Is it about your reason for being in Japan?"
"Yes."
Silence ensued but then, Retsu broke it.
"Actually, I'm here to fetch the two of you."
The three teens' head perked up in shocked.
"Mom, don't tell me that you…" Rangiku began.
"W-We're going to come with you… to Korea?" Toushirou finished.
"Yes, that's right." She nodded.
"But why? Why would we need to go with you?" Rangiku asked.
"Because we want to be with you guys. Don't you understand that?"
"I'm sorry Mom but I don't want to go." Toushirou said as he walked out of the room and into his room.
Ichigo looked on in worry. "I'll talk to him." He said as he followed his cousin to their room.
"Ran…"
Rangiku sighed and stood up. "I'll think about it." She said as she walked upstairs.
Retsu sighed. "I thought this would happen."
Isshin put a hand on her shoulder. "It's normal."
"That's true too."
Ichigo found his cousin on his bed above his. He was laying down, his back facing him. "Toushirou."
Said boy turned around and faced his older cousin. Ichigo put his hands on his both hips. "I think you should think about it."
"But nii-chan, I don't want to."
"Why?" Ichigo asked quizzically.
"Because…" Toushirou sat up and turned away from his gaze. "I can't leave her…"
Ichigo stared at him meaningfully. "If I'm right, the feelings you have for her isn't as a friend anymore. It's more than that."
"Hai."
"You love her."
"Hmm… I do."
"I understand you. But, you shouldn't be selfish. This is your family we're talking about." Ichigo sat on his bed. "I'll go to bed now. You should too. Good night."
Toushirou lay down again and sighed heavily.
Rangiku held her cellphone in her hand and in deep thought. She bit her lip and pressed a certain number and put it against her ear. She heard it ring a few times but then, she heard a voice that she was familiar with.
"Hello? Ran? Why are you still awake?" the voice from the other line asked.
"Well, I have something to tell you…" Rangiku said.
"What is it?"
"I want to invite you guys tomorrow. We'll just hang out after class, with Toushirou, Momo and Ichigo. You'll come too right, Rukia?"
She could see and hear her smile. "Of course, that would be great."
"T-Thanks." Her voice trembled. She cursed herself. She didn't want Rukia to worry. Not her best friend.
As she thought, Rukia noticed. "Ran? Is there a problem? Your voice is wavering. Is there something wrong?" she asked in worry.
Rangiku covered up with a laugh. "No no. I'm okay. Everything's okay. I'm just sleepy, that's all."
"Okay. You need to sleep then. Goodnight. See you tomorrow!"
"Goodnight."
They both hung up and Rangiku stared at her cellphone, imagining her best friend's reaction and readying herself for the worst.
Song information: Amazing Kiss by BOA
A/N: finally! I have updated this! Can you believe it? XP
Thanks to angelicsorceres, FrostyNight98, unknownkyitty and falconrukichi for the everlasting support and reviews! And to those who included "You Are My Love" in their Story Alerts and Favorite Lists. Thank you so much! I'm glad you find this story interesting too~ :)
I will never give up on this! (Someone asked so I like to tell you guys now) Maybe this will have a slow update because this story is very long… like I said in the first chapter, this story has 31 chapters all in all. And it was already done but I haven't type it yet in English because the original language I used are english and my native language, filipino. And so, I need to translate. XD
Thank you for all of your reviews! I'm so happy! :)
Please Read and Review!
~Mari Kia Aishiteru~